Fundamentals of American Law

Semester: Fall 2010

Class Unique: 28680

Course ID: 379M

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces international graduate students to basic concepts in American law and provides an overview of U.S. legal process and institutions. Topics include: an overview of government structure, including the structure and function of the judicial system; sources of legal authority and common law reasoning; an overview of the U.S. Constitution; statutes and statutory interpretation; selected topics in public and private law; and the role of the lawyer in the American legal system. Students will also learn the basics of legal research, including both print and electronic sources, and use of the law library.
This course is required of LL.M. students who do not have a U.S. law degree.